Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

The Block

<html><body>
The five listings from this year’s season of The Block are now officially live.
Each of the five houses has an indicative selling price of between $3 million and $3.3 million, roughly four times as high as St Kilda’s median house price of $758,000.
Located in what was once the historic Oslo Hotel (pictured in title), each listing will be updated every week as new rooms are unveiled.
The formal lounge room, main bedroom, guest ensuite and main bathrooms appear on the listings for the 38A - E homes.
Situated at 38 Grey Street, the agencies marketing the homes are Wilson Port Phillip, Hocking Stuart Albert Park, McGrath St Kilda, The Agency Melbourne and Biggin and Scott Richmond.
All the homes are four bedroom homes and the number of bathroom ranges from three to five.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/38a-grey-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2015420828" target="_blank">first team's listing</a>, Mitch and Mark's states, their formal lounge massive and their entertainment areas flexible.
It's arranged as a four bedroom four bathroom home.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/2/Block%202019%201.JPG" alt="">
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/38b-grey-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2015420829" target="_blank">second team</a>, Luke and Tess, was favoured by the judges for their bathroom.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/2/Block%202019%202.JPG" alt="">
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/38c-grey-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2015420839" target="_blank">third team</a>, Deb and Andy, has focussed on a design that is a combination of "Gold Rush heritage and luxury style".
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/2/Block%202019%203.JPG" alt="">
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/38d-grey-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2015420844" target="_blank">Team four</a>, El’ise and Matt, won the highest judges’ marks for their formal living room.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/2/Block%202019%204.JPG" alt="">
Jesse and Mel, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/38e-grey-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2015420847" target="_blank">team five</a>, are St Kilda locals who are utilising Jesse's experience as a real estate agent.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/2/Block%202019%205.JPG" alt="">
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Block Oslo 2019 homes officially listed for sale

<html><body>
Sydney's stylish grandads Mitch and Mark have been made bookmakers favourites after the first episode of The Block 2019 aired on Sunday.
The Potts Point locals, who flip properties for a living, have been priced in at $3 on Sportsbet.
Sportsbet.com.au's Rich Hummerston said judging by the amount of tears shed in the first episode, this year’s Blockheads have the task ahead of them.
"Mitch and Mark are experienced flippers, which should give them an edge."
The couple, who have flipped 15 properties across Sydney, are currently seeking a buyer for <a href="/news/the-block-oslos-mitch-and-mark-seek-north-bondi-buyer">one of their North Bondi projects.</a>
Second favourites are Melbourne representatives Jesse and Mel, who have eased from $3 to $4.
Jesse is a <a href="/expert-insights/building/the-agencys-jesse-raeburn-portrayed-as-cocky-contestant-on-skint-the-block-goldrush-series">real estate agent at The Agency</a> and sold The Gatwick apartment of Courtney and Hans last year.
Tess and Luke, the newlyweds from the Sunshine State, are priced at $4.50.  
Andy and Deb, the second representatives from New South Wales, are fourth favourites at $5 and the outsiders are experienced renovators from WA, El'ise and Matt.
Photo credit Channel Nine.
 
 
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Sydney grandads Mitch and Mark made bookies favourites after The Block 2019 first episode

<html><body>
Estate agent Jesse Raeburn had only just joined The Agency, Albert Park when he won a spot as a competitor on this year's The Block, the biggest Block ever.
He was a selling agent and auctioneer on The Block in 2018, where he <a href="https://aws.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/celebrity-property-news/91501-the-agency-secure-top-gatwick-price-per-sqm" target="_blank">successfully sold Courtney and Han’s apartment</a> to the former custodians of The Gatwick. 
He aspired to join after appearing last year and bought his apartment just down the street from the 1850s terrace house row.
Raeburn described his experience filming the show with his girlfriend Mel as "the best thing I have ever done in my life."
He says he's been obsessed by The Block since the initial series at Bondi Beach in 2003.
His initial bedroom renovation will feature a fabric wall plus large cornicing as the feature in the slightly contemporary renovation they propose.
"Being a real estate I have been into many of the homes in the area and that's what the buyers want," he said.
The opening episode showed him admonished several time times for not clearing dangerous debris during their initial demolition.
He was described as cocky, by foreman Keith Schleiger.
"He's being very cocky so far... he's an auctioneer...give me another few days he'll be like a fish out of water, he has no idea what he's doing" Schleiger said.
"If anyone has ever been set up to be the subject of mockery, it’s real estate agent Jesse," reported Domain, who are expected to spruik the show even more than ever since they are officially part of the Nine Network.
Raeburn did an apprenticeship in floor and wall tiling for a large commercial tiling contractor and once he finished he went out on my as a sole trader for a few years in Queensland. 
He worked for a project builder in Mackay where he would tile on average one house a week.
"That was where I really learnt the meaning of hard work. 
"When you work for yourself you have to be extremely self-motivated and also take pride in what you do a lot like real estate so I found the transition quite easy."
His Agency boss Peter Kakos says clients gravitate towards Jesse because his enthusiasm "and they know Jesse will achieve great results for them.”
“His infectious personality and engaging energy has attracted a loyal client base,” Kakos said.
Raeburn said he joined The Agency as he wanted to be a part of a national brand not restricted by post codes.
He started off in real estate in 2015.
He says there indicators of a more positive Melbourne property outlook for the coming period, "with two interest rate cuts, APRA announcing loosening of lending criteria, and a return to power for the incumbent government."
"Buyer sentiment is returning and auction clearance rates around the 70% mark are a good sign that the Melbourne market is again finding its feet.
"If you believe what makes media headlines the market is always in one of two states: crashing down, or racing up out of control and housing is unaffordable. 
"The reality is always somewhere in the middle, but the last twelve months have certainly shown a slower growth than the 5-7 years prior."
He says clients nowadays have a great bulldust detector and can see through flashy presentations and false claims. 
"Every client of mine is a client for life, because they know they can trust me." 
Estate agents were traditionally brought in to find a buyer for the Block properties once the teams had completed their renovations.
But in recent year's they emerged even earlier to assist the contestants on selecting styles that suited the locality.
Buyers agents have have even bigger roles, and <a href="/expert-insights/building/no-conflict-of-interest-over-judging-say-block-south-yarra-buyers-agents">in 2015 were facing conflict of interest suggestions</a> given their dual role.
The show’s 15th season premiered last night on Nine.
Doubts have been raised on the terrace's end appeal given severe cost cutting by the producers.
The contestants have only been given $250,000 to renovate their 460 sqm space, with terrace house with rear studio above garage.
It is just $30,000 more than the $220,000 budget allocated to each of the 230 sqm spaces in the Block's Gatwick. It has averaged 160 sqm throughout the entire series.
The Oslo will see $540 allocated per square metre. It was $950 per square metre.
"The $250,000 sounds like an enormous amount of money... however when you start to renovate an old building lots or labour lots or work - that money can go really quickly," contestant Mark said.
"We spend that much money on a two bedroom 90 sqm apartment," Mitch added. Their latest project <a href="/news/the-block-oslos-mitch-and-mark-seek-north-bondi-buyer">remains for sale at North Bondi. </a>
The couples have been asked to create a 30 square metre bedroom with an ensuite, touted as the “toughest first-week challenge ever.” 
The opening renovations were given an absurdly short period of time for completion as the producers amp up the stress to win ratings.  
"Hell on earth at the Oslo," is how it was described by a contestant trying to meet the cruel deadline in between Lite n' Easy meals.
It seems youfoodz, sponsors of The Block for two years, aren't going to be supplied in the onsite fridge.
Last night The Block failed to crack 1 million metro viewers with its first episode, instead drawing in 991,000, well down on its 2018 premiere of 1.163 million and 1.117 million metro viewers in 2017.
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Agency's Jesse Raeburn portrayed as cocky contestant on skint The Block Goldrush series

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The Block’s 2020 season, which will be shot in Melbourne’s bayside at Brighton, looks set to be a battle of the decades.
There will be five relocated homes, one from every decade between the 1920s and the 1960s (1940s above).
I’m guessing the contestant couples will then take their decorative themes from the era in modernising their home, which will also come with a rear two-storey extension.
Maybe the time-warp series will be something like Annabel Crabb’s Back in Time for Dinner on the ABC, but for the masses and sponsored by McCafe and Youfoodz.
The worthy sustainable recycling endeavour is similar to the show’s Elsternwick series two season’s ago when five weatherboard homes facing the wrecking ball were relocated under host Scott Cam’s watch.
This time they will be installed on a 2770 square metre holding being bought by Channel 9 for around $15 million.
It was once a nursing home which was bought for $5 million in 2013 by Nick Williams, the son of horse trainer, Lloyd Williams, after its closure.
The parcel was onsold by another developer who proposed 13 townhouses.
The next series of The Block starts next month with the refurbishment of the Oslo Hotel, St Kilda.
The producers quit Sydney in 2011 complaining that they couldn't cope with our councils.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph. 
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The Block 2020 to be a battle of the decades

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The Block is reported to be buying a vacant block of land in Melbourne's bayside Brighton for its 2020 season.
The 2770 square metre block is at 360-364 New Street, on the north-east corner of Orchard Street.
It once accommodated the Andrina Private Nursing Home.
According to the Sunday Herald Sun, the producers are seeking to subdivide the holding into five lots. The holding reportedly cost $15 million.
It is unknown whether they will try a new concept for the 202 season perhaps allowing for contestant couples to build from scratch.
When The Block producers acquired land in Elsternwick two seasons ago, they also subdivided the holding into five, and then relocated onto them, historic weatherboard homes from elsewhere in Melbourne and Victoria which were facing the wrecking ball.
The former Andrina Private Nursing Home was acquired as a residential development prospect for $5.3 million in 2013 by Nick Williams, the son of horse trainer, Lloyd Williams.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/17/BLOCK%202020-1.png" alt="">
More recently, the parcel was controlled by another developer proposing 13 townhouses known as One Orchard.
The Block producers have recently rebuilt the former Oslo Hotel in Grey Street, St Kilda, the subject of the 2019 series set, to air from August.
The aged care residence has been vacant since 2014. 
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The Block 2020 whispered to be heading to demolished Brighton nursing home

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The contestants for the 15th season of The Block have been announced.
They will be renovating St Kilda's former Oslo Hotel, the 150 year old building which a Channel Nine production company spent $10,815,000 on just a block away from The Gatwick, the building they renovated on last years show.
The Oslo, believed to be around double the size of The Gatwick, was originally five stately Victorian houses before it was converted into a hotel.
Courtesy on Channel Nine, here are The Block 2019 contestants.
Mitch and Mark, NSW  
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/4/Mitch%20%20Mark.jpg" alt="">
Source: Nine
Described as "stylish grandads", Mitch and Mark have 15 properties under their belt, however they're usually not the renovators themselves.
Mitch is a part-time house flipper and marketer and Mark is a trained psychologist.
They've been together for 14 years.
Andy and Deb, NSW
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/4/Andy%20%20Deb%20NSW.jpg" alt="">
 
Source: Nine
The second couple from New South Wales, Andy and Deb from Wallabi Point on the north coast.
Andy is a stand-up comedian and Deb runs homewares and fashion retailer The Shed Luxe.
They have a family of four and have renovated five properties together.
Tess and Luke, QLD
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/4/Tess%20%20Luke%20QLD.jpg" alt="">
Source: Nine
The young newlyweds from the Sunshine State have applied for The Block four times previously.
Tess works in sales and Luke is a tradie.
They have just finished their first renovation together.
Jesse and Mel, VIC
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/4/Jesse%20%20Mel%20VIC.jpg" alt="">
Source: Nine
The representatives from Melbourne are actually St Kilda locals Jesse, a real estate agent, and Mel, a contracts administrator.
Last year Jesse auctioned the apartment of Hans and Courtney.
He calls it one of his greatest achievements, securing a $410,000 profit.
El'ise and Matt, WA 
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/4/Elise%20%20Matt%20WA.jpg" alt="">
Representing Western Australia are husband and wife duo El'ise and Matt who are experienced renovators.
Matt owns a company that specialise in renovations and the couple have completed their own projects.
They have three kids under three and reached the final stage of auditions last year.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

The Block St Kilda Goldrush 2019 teams revealed

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The Block contestants, Kerrie Charter and Spence Thomson, have listed in the Barossa Valley. 
Colliers International are selling the 42-acre lifestyle property.
It is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-sa-nuriootpa-700018218" target="_blank">191 Samuel Road</a>, half way between Nuriootpa and Tanunda.
The property backs onto Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.
It is a stone’s throw from the likes of Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, Greenock Creek, Whistler Wines, Rolf Binder and Hewitson. 
Charter and Thomson bought the property three-and-a-half years ago, but only moved in two years ago after spending the first 18 months residing in Melbourne. 
The couple are selling their Samuel Road home to start their next project – building a new home of their own in South Australia. 
The expansive residence comprises the main home plus two private accommodation suites and gardens.
Previously utilised as ‘The Paddocks’ bed and breakfast, it presents an incoming purchaser a fantastic opportunity to redevelop completely, renovate or resume the bed &amp; breakfast business. 
Investors, developers, wine industry participants and speculators looking to capitalise on the obvious wine tourism potential are anticipated. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/2/26/C%20Large.jpg" alt=""> 
The main residence features two bedrooms, an open plan kitchen living and dining area with views to the vineyards in the east, plus separate bathroom and laundry.
Both suites feature kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms with private garden outlooks, and there is an underground cellar. 
The land lends itself planting with Shiraz vines. 
Offers are due on 191 Samuel Road by March 13.
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The Block’s Kerrie and Spence to sell Barossa Valley home

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Brad Cranfield and Lara Welham, the winners of the hit renovation show The Block in 2012, have listed the impressive Hunter Valley home they built.
The couple are now based in Byron Bay.
Cranfield and Welham bought the 25 hectare estate in 2012, having won The Block when their Dorcas Street, South Melbourne renovation fetched $1.62 million, some $506,000 over reserve.
They poured their $606,000 prize earnings into ­<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-bishops+bridge-129781238" target="_blank">Bishop Bridge</a>, set between Cessnock and Maitland.
They paid $510,000 for the vacant land which had initially sought $640,000 when listed two years prior.
The designer home, that sits at the end of a long drive, comes with six metre high ceilings.
Its living room has a timber feature wall backing the Lop Cape Cod wood burning fire.
An upstairs loft style rumpus room overlooks the living space.
Coloured cathedral glass panes have been utilised throughout the four bedroom home.
A timber tiered deck looks across the grounds that has a creek running through the property, as well as three dams, one with a floating pontoon.
David Haggarty First ­National Maitland agents Michael Haggarty and ­Andrew Lange, who are marketing the home, ­recently reduced the asking price to $1,495,000 from its initial $1,599,000 guidance.
The couple had a baby boy, Jimmy, last August, a younger brother to son, Harry who was born in 2016.
Cranfield, was a fitter and machinist in the coal mining industry, while Welham was a physical education teacher before the 2012 series.
They beat Dan Reilly and Dani Wales; brothers Mike and Andrew Jones and then newlyweds Sophie and Dale Vine.
Cranfield is now an estate agent, saying the transition was a “natural progression”.
He works alongside Christian Sergiacomi, the husband of The Block’s busy interior designer Shel­ley Craft.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph. 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

The Block winners Brad and Lara list Hunter Valley home 

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The first house renovated by The Block winners Kyal and Kara Demmrich after they left the show has been sold again.
Kyal and Kara sold the Killarney Vale home in 2015 for $735,000, having transformed the 1970s home after paying $285,000 in 2008.
It was listed last August and sold recently exceeding its price guide of $970,000 to sell at $$1,050,000.
Now a contemporary family entertainer, the home has four bedrooms, a study, and a designer kitchen.
A mezzanine level features more living space, and a covered entertaining deck opens to the rear garden.
The home is going to auction with a $970,000 guide.
The couple sold to buy their current home, a four bedroom property at Toowoon Bay.
Late last year they offloaded their Long Jetty renovation that they had been documenting room by room on their joint Instagram account.
They pocketed $1.59 million, over double the $710,000 they paid just 11 months earlier.
They retain another renovation project, a Bateau Bay renovation.
After paying $580,000 four years ago, the couple undertook small scale renovation on the old fibro cottage.
There were no structural changes, just a modern facelift.
After ripping out the old tired carpets, there's rustic timber flooring throughout the home that sits on a 640 square metre parcel a stones throw from the beach.
They recently sought $460 a week. They were asking $395 before the renovation.
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Killarney Vale home renovated by The Block's Kyal and Kara Demmrich sold again

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Both of The Block Gatwick penthouses have been listed for rent.
They were both bought by the same person, Melbourne construction digital entrepreneur Rob Phillpot, at the live auction in late October.
He spent $2,859,000 on the penthouse renovated by Brisbane couple, radio presenter Jess and her husband Norm, then followed up the purchase buying the adjoining apartment of the netball duo Bianca and Carla for $2,991,000.
Phillpot, who only inspected the apartments two days before the auction, has now listed the penthouses for short-term stays.
Despite spending less on their apartment, Phillpot is asking $681 a night for Jess and Norm's apartment (above), more than the $623 a night for Bianca and Carla's (below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/18/bianc1.jpg" alt="">
There have been 170 views of the property in the past week on the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/VacationRentalReview-g255360-d15663928-Doesn_t_get_better_than_this_The_BLOCK_Penthouse-St_Kilda_Port_Phillip_Greater_Melbou" target="_blank">TripAdvisor listing</a>, however there are yet to be any reviews.
It advises that pets and smoking aren't allowed. 
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Despite holding the best positions in the building, Bianca and Carla finished fourth in the competition, taking home $301,000 in prize money.
Jess and Norm finished last with only $209,000 of prize money, nearly a third less than winners Hayden and Sara's $645,000 total winnings.
Phillpot, the co-founder of Aconex, didn't watch a single episode of the show. 
 
</div>
<div class="in-content-ad"> </div>
 
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